Framingham Search For Harmony Grove Elementary Principal Begins

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A mid-year departure from Harmony Grove Elementary School Principal Juliana Kessler-Marcos has put the district in a unique spot.

The Harmony Grove Elementary School community was informed that Kessler-Marcos had "decided to pursue a unique career opportunity, allowing her to work closer to home and the ability to focus on starting a family," in December, officials said.

Her last day with Framingham Public Schools was Dec. 29, 2023.

Given the mid-year departure, Framingham Public Schools has posted two open positions - one for interim principal which is open now, as well as a permanent principal position to begin on July 1.

Both positions were posted on Jan. 5, and the district is currently seeking candidates to apply.

As of now, the district has begun a full search process which will include members of the Harmony Grove Elementary School community, officials said.

Harmony Grove is one of the district's two-way Portuguese schools, so the district is urging Portuguese speakers to apply. There are 476 students that the school serves.

Step one includes a blind candidate selection conducted by "the cabinet", which includes the assistant superintendent for PK-12, assistant superintendent for equity, belonging, and community engagement, assistant superintendent for human resources, executive director for student services and executive director for finance and operations.

Candidates will be recommended for interviews after this process is completed by Feb. 16.

Then, an interview committee of school staff, parents and guardians, administrators and a community member will be formed to conduct additional interviews with candidates between Feb. 27 and March 7.

The cabinet and superintendent will then conduct interviews of those who make it through the round of interview committee meetings, submitting two to three finalists. This process is scheduled for the week of March 11.

Finalists will then spend the day at Harmony Grove and meet with stakeholders of the Harmony Grove community and answer questions. This is tentatively scheduled for the week of March 18.

So what can those interested in participating do right now?

A focus group survey is live now, giving community members a chance to add their insight into what they hope to see in a potential candidate. For that, click the link here.

Additionally, applications are available for those interested in being part of the interview committee.

The deadline to complete the application — found at the link here — is due by Feb. 2.